Launch your dental career with free online training. Maryland dental assistants earn $50,410+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$50,410/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
3,600+
Population 65+
16.4
Training Cost
FREE
Old Line State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 3,600+ dental practices and a population where 16.4 are over 65.
Maryland dental assistants earn $50,410 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $53,500 - $61,500.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Maryland.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Maryland requires dental assistants to register with the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Maryland offers Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA) and Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) credentials for advanced duties.
Maryland requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or equivalent. Radiography certification is included in DA registration requirements. All X-rays require dentist supervision.
Largest market, UMD dental school
DC suburb, affluent population
DC suburb, diverse community
Growing Western Maryland hub
State capital, Naval Academy proximity
Maryland offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 400+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 650 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Maryland's only dental school, oldest dental school in the world (1840).
View Careers →Employees: 600+
Facilities: 30+ locations
Location: Multiple MD locations
National DSO with strong Maryland presence offering career development.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: 6 locations
Location: Baltimore area
Community health center serving Baltimore's diverse communities.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: Montgomery County
Community health center serving Montgomery County's immigrant and underserved populations.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Baltimore
Academic medical center with dental services throughout the Hopkins system.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Baltimore, DC metro
Regional health system with dental services in Maryland and DC.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 4 dental locations
Location: Baltimore area
Community health center serving Baltimore's LGBTQ+ and underserved populations.
View Careers →Employees: 5,500+
Facilities: 3,000+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices from Baltimore to DC suburbs to rural Western Maryland.
View Careers →Jennifer L.
Baltimore • UMD Dental
"Working at the world's oldest dental school is incredible. Amazing learning environment!"
2024-11
Marcus T.
Bethesda • Private Practice
"Montgomery County practices serve discerning patients. Premium pay reflects expectations."
2024-10
Ashley R.
Frederick • Community Health
"Western Maryland is growing fast. Good wages with lower cost of living than DC metro."
2024-09
Maryland dental assistants earn an average of $50,410 annually ($24.24/hour). Entry-level positions start at $40,500-$46,000, while experienced DAs earn $53,500-$61,500. Montgomery County DC suburbs pay highest at $52,000-$62,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Maryland requires dental assistants to register with the State Board of Dental Examiners. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. QDA and EFDA credentials require additional training for expanded functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Maryland registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification. The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from enrollment to employment.
Strong outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Maryland's 6.2 million population, 3,600 dental practices, and UMD dental school (world's oldest) create substantial demand. DC metro proximity drives competitive wages throughout the state.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Maryland Board registration fee ($50), radiography certification, and any optional certifications when ready. Many Maryland employers reimburse certification costs.
Montgomery County leads with $52,000-$62,000 serving DC's affluent suburbs (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring). Baltimore metro offers $48,000-$56,000 near UMD dental school. Howard County and Anne Arundel provide competitive suburban wages.
Maryland offers: (1) UMD School of Dentistry—world's oldest dental school (1840), (2) DC metro access with Maryland credentials, (3) Diverse patient populations in Baltimore and DC suburbs, (4) Strong community health center presence, (5) Competitive wages above national median.
DC and Virginia have different requirements, so direct reciprocity isn't automatic. However, DANB certification is nationally recognized. Many Maryland dental assistants live in one jurisdiction and work in another. Verify current requirements with DC and Virginia boards.
Join thousands of Maryland residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredMaryland's dental workforce serves approximately 6.2 million residents through an estimated 3,600 dental practices. The Baltimore-Washington corridor contains the majority of dental employment, with distinct markets in Baltimore City, DC suburbs, and the Eastern Shore.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Maryland employed approximately 10,200 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $50,410—above the national median and reflecting the state's position in the affluent DC metro region.
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore is the world's oldest dental school, founded in 1840. This historic institution trains approximately 130 dentists annually and provides extensive clinical education opportunities for dental assistants in academic settings.
Maryland's position between Baltimore and Washington, DC creates unique labor market dynamics. Montgomery County and Prince George's County dental practices compete with DC employers, driving competitive wages. Many dental professionals live and work across state lines.
Community health centers including Total Health Care, Community Clinic Inc., and Chase Brexton Health Care serve diverse populations in Baltimore and DC suburbs. These organizations provide mission-driven employment with potential loan repayment benefits and culturally diverse clinical experiences.
Maryland's diverse population—including significant immigrant communities, African American populations, and LGBTQ+ communities—creates opportunities for dental assistants with cultural competency and language skills. Baltimore and DC suburbs particularly value bilingual healthcare workers.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.